The MOOD MNKY Origin Story
Genesis of an Idea
MOOD MNKY was born from a simple yet profound observation: in our increasingly digital and disconnected world, people were seeking authentic sensory experiences that could ground them in the present moment and help them navigate their emotional landscape. The idea first took shape during a transformative trip to Kyoto, Japan, where our founder was struck by the centuries-old tradition of kōdō (香道) – the “way of incense” – which treats fragrance not merely as a pleasant scent but as a profound tool for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and connection.The Founding Team
Diverse Expertise
The founding team brought together backgrounds in perfumery, technology, psychology, and design – creating a unique fusion of sensory craft and digital innovation.
Shared Vision
Despite diverse backgrounds, the team united around a common belief: that emotional wellness could be dramatically enhanced through intentional sensory experiences.
Early Days
The first MOOD MNKY products were created in a small studio in Seattle in 2019. The founding team spent over a year perfecting their initial collection of mood-enhancing fragrances, meticulously sourcing ingredients from sustainable providers around the world.The name “MOOD MNKY” reflects our playful approach to the serious business of emotional wellness. Like monkeys, we believe in curiosity, adaptability, and finding joy in the present moment.
Evolving the Concept
What began as a fragrance brand quickly evolved into something more ambitious. The team recognized that while scent was a powerful mood-altering tool, true emotional wellness required a more holistic approach.1
Fragrance Foundation
The initial product line focused on perfumes and home fragrances designed around emotional states rather than traditional scent families.
2
Digital Integration
Development of the first version of the Dojo platform began in 2020, creating a digital companion to the physical products.
3
Ecosystem Expansion
Product lines expanded to include candles, bath & body, and personalized scent experiences, all connected through the digital platform.
4
Community Building
From pop-up events to online forums, the MOOD MNKY community became an integral part of the brand experience.
Pivotal Moments
The Pandemic Shift
When COVID-19 changed the world in 2020, MOOD MNKY was still in its early stages. Rather than retreating, the team leaned into the moment, recognizing that emotional wellness and sensory comfort were more important than ever in a time of isolation. The accelerated development of the digital platform allowed people to maintain their emotional wellness practices even when physical retail and experiences were unavailable.The Personalization Breakthrough
In 2021, the team developed a proprietary algorithm that could match emotional states and preferences to specific scent profiles with remarkable accuracy. This technology became the foundation for the custom fragrance program that would become one of the brand’s signature offerings.Growth and Evolution
2019
Founded in Seattle with a small collection of mood-enhancing fragrances
2020
Launched the first version of the Dojo digital platform
2021
Introduced the custom fragrance program and expanded product lines
2022
Opened the first flagship experiential store in Seattle
2023
Expanded to international markets and launched advanced AI personalization
Our Symbol
The MOOD MNKY symbol – a stylized monkey silhouette with a spiral that represents both the sense of smell and the journey of emotional growth – was designed in the earliest days of the company and remains unchanged, a reminder of our origins and purpose.
Looking Forward
While we’ve grown beyond our humble beginnings, the core purpose that inspired MOOD MNKY remains unchanged: to help people navigate their emotional landscape through intentional, sensory experiences. As we continue to evolve, we remain committed to the values of authenticity, mindfulness, and holistic wellbeing that have guided us from the start.This story continues to unfold as MOOD MNKY grows and evolves with our community.